Your past can be a friend or an enemy, a teacher or a tormentor. Memories can make you happy or sad. The apostle Paul had, as we would say, “a past.” But not everything in his life before he became a Christian was evil. Much of it was good, even impressive, in his time. He was a successful man in the Jewish community who was on the verge of becoming more successful. He also did something that still astounds Bible readers: he persecuted Christians. But he left that life behind and kept it there. Learn how as you sit at the feet of this great man of God.

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• Scripture: Philippians 3:5-14

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• Bible Commentary, Ephesians 1:18-2:22 (track 8)
• Bible Commentary, Ephesians 2:16-3:21 (track 12)

They weren’t related by blood, but they had the same heart. Both of them had an unselfish, giving spirit. Bible readers usually recognize one of their names, but they don’t know much about the second. Yet Paul paid to each of these men some of the highest compliments he ever gave anyone outside of the Lord Himself. They stand out in the New Testament among the saints, but not because they were smarter than others. Not because they were better preachers. Not because they had more spiritual gifts than others. What stood out to Paul about them was their care for others and their willingness to sacrifice for the work of the Lord. They truly practiced what Paul said earlier in Philippians 2:4—“Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Timothy and Epaphroditus raised the bar high by their selfless service to the Lord. Best of all, they did so gladly. This episode will challenge you not just to learn more about these men but also to learn more about yourself and grow in the giving nature these men had.

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• Scriptures: Philippians 2:19-30; Matthew 22:1-5
• "Present Your Bodies"

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• Bible Commentary I-II Corinthians, Lesson 27

Don’t let the title fool you. If you’ve read your Bible a lot, you’re probably thinking this is a lesson from Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount. But this is different. Jesus talked about letting your light shine by doing good. In this episode, Paul shows us that we let our light shine by what we don’t do.

The book of Philippians is about how to face trials and tribulations. It is a book about how Christians should have optimism and joy in spite of these troubles. That optimism will show. Others will see it even when when we’re not talking about it.

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• Scriptures: Philippians 2:14-17; Numbers 11
• “Peace and Contentment”

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• Bible Commentary I-II Corinthians, Lesson 39